Bike/walk swv

Bike/Walk SWV is committed to making walking and biking safe, fun, and convenient across our region. Through this program, Active SWV advocates for protected bike lanes, safe and complete streets, fitness trails, and a network of connected hiking trails to make communities more accessible to everyoneRethinking the region’s infrastructure not only helps southern West Virginians improve their health and wellness by creating more opportunities to exercise outside, it also increases economic activity and job creation.  

Is your community looking to become more friendly to biking and walking? We’re here to help. We’ll work alongside members of your community to assess your needs and plan the transition.  

Creating a bike/walk community

Can you be an advocate for Complete Streets in your community? There are many ways to support policy change including attending City Council meetings, joining or forming a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Committee, and writing to local officials/leaders.

Contact us at hello@activeswv.com or (304) 254-8488 for more information and to check out our Bike/Walk SWV community guide click here to request a copy!

Complete Streets

Active Southern West Virginia has been a champion of the mission to bring Complete Streets policies to all the cities and towns in the New River Gorge Region and are proud to have the support of so many local municipalities to ensure safety for everyone that uses the streets in our communities. 

By adopting a Complete Streets policy, communities direct their transportation planners and engineers to routinely design and operate the entire right of way to enable safe access for all users. This means that every transportation project will make the street network better and safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists—making your town a better place to live. 

“A Complete Streets approach integrates people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation networks. This helps to ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.” -National Complete Streets Coalition

2018 Engaged Towns and Cities

Click the links below to read a copy of each Complete Streets policy that was tailored to the cities’ needs. 

This growing movement across our region benefits our communities in a number of ways including increasing recreation opportunities, economic development, and overall health and well-being. Active SWV will continue its efforts to work with other cities in the New River Gorge region to help create policies that will increase safety and connectivity for all residents. 

 

League of American Bicyclists

Bicycle Friendly America Program

Bike/Walk SWV uses a variety of guidelines in its facilitation and assistance of bike and pedestrian improvements, including the standards set forth by the League of AmericanBicyclists. Bike/Walk SWV offers technical assistance to communities in our six county region to apply to be recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bike Friendly Community. In addition to the public commendation, the cities also received valuable feedback on what further steps can be taken to earn a higher ranking. And most importantly, this feedback will guide our communities towards becoming more bike/walk friendly! 

Want to get involved?

Contact [email protected] or (304) 254-8488 for more information and strategies on how you can specifically be involved in your local municipality.